BAD NIGHT: Akron

Outcome: Lost to Kent State. It’s been a tough 36 hours for Akron. The Zips were playing in their first game since the arrest of point guard Alex Abreu on marijuana trafficking charges, and the result was every bit as bad as feared. Coach Keith Dambrot said he was “heartbroken” by Abreu’s arrest, and his team played like it. Kent Sate led by 15 at the half and hardly was challenged.

Prognosis: Selection Committee chairman Mike Bobinski is in a tight spot. Akron’s body of work merits an at-large bid, but Abreu was the heart of the team and its second-best player and he’s unlikely to return. As constructed, this team had Sweet 16 potential and is ranked No. 12 in the UPS Team Performance Index. But unless the Zips pull it together and win the MAC Tournament next week, they’ll again be sitting at home.

Prognosis: It’s unlikely that the OVC will get two teams into the NCAA Tournament, so Saturday night’s championship game against longtime OVC kingpin Murray State is an all-or-nothing game. Murray won the Feb. 7 matchup by five points. Clark vs. Isaiah Canaan? The two combined for 48 in their only meeting. The rematch? Can’t wait.

GOOD NIGHT: Wichita State

Prognosis: The Valley will get at least two NCAA bids. Creighton is in, and Wichita is second in line. Winning Saturday afternoon’s semifinal matchup against Illinois State is critical. Win, and Wichita can rest easy on Selection Sunday, no matter the outcome of the MVC championship game. Lose and sweat for the next eight days.